The Best Pre-owned Cars for Teens and College Kids
Written by DriveAxis.ca March 01, 2023
Teenagers and college kids have it rough when it comes to vehicles. Insurance costs are high, given their lack of driving experience, and they haven’t yet made the kind of money to afford higher-end vehicles. However, that doesn’t mean they have to putt around in lemons and clunkers until they can afford something better.
Many pre-owned cars are absolutely perfect for teenagers and college kids, and they don’t skimp when it comes to quality and craftsmanship, either. If your child has turned 16 and is ready to get behind the wheel, or you have a slightly older kid who is ready to head off to college, here’s some of the best pre-owned cars they can drive right now.
FORD FUSION
Ford’s Fusion 5-passenger sedan made strong waves when it first debuted, and new young drivers frequently find themselves behind one of their wheels. It has the kind of styling that looks great on the road, and it’s also one of the safest models on the road today. When it comes to engine choices, the Fusion starts at a 175 horsepower 4-cylinder, and goes all the way up to a 325 horsepower turbocharged V6.
If you’re concerned about fuel costs, consider opting for the hybrid model, which offers the best of both worlds, without whittling down extra spending cash. With plenty of seating for friends, the Fusion is a great car for young drivers who need reliability and convenience, all tucked into one very pretty package.
HYUNDAI SONATA
Hyundai is no slouch when it comes to quality sedans, and they’re often chosen as first-time cars for young drivers. In addition to sporting excellent build quality, reliability and safety ratings, the Sonata is also peppy enough to excite younger drivers…without threatening to send them careening out of control.
Ancillary options include a neat 7 inch touchscreen infotainment package that supports both Apple and Android devices, as well as safety tech like blind-spot, cross-traffic and lane change assistance. Plus, Hyundai is known for its exterior styling, which has cross-generational appeal.
HYUNDAI TUCSON
One of Hyundai’s most reliable and affordable SUV offerings is the Tucson, which is great for teens who need to lug friends or gear (or both) around. It may be too much for some, but for those who need a spacey vehicle with better storage options, it’s a fantastic bet. For kids going to college in places that get a lot of snow, there’s even an available AWD model.
The same touchscreen and safety tech found in the Sonata is also available on the Tucson, as is emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Both of these are invaluable, especially for inexperienced young drivers who have yet to gain road savviness.
TOYOTA COROLLA
Toyota’s own Corolla is a prime example of longevity. It’s one of the most reliable cars in the field, sporting great build quality, and an engine that goes for years without issues. There are multiple versions of the Corolla to choose from, depending on the driver, but young ones would fare best with the 4-cylinder version that sports 140 horsepower.
Inside, there’s a wealth of tech options to take advantage of, from a large 7 inch infotainment screen, to Toyota’s own Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) aids that include everything from adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assistance, to forward-collision warnings, emergency braking, lane-departure assist, and auto high-beam control.
TOYOTA PRIUS
If a standard car isn’t to their liking, teens and college kids can always fall back on the Prius, one of the most popular hybrids on the road. Though it won’t win any awards for its speed, the Prius will massively cut down on fuel costs, which means more money in the pocket for other things. This hatchback can accommodate 5 people in total, which is great for Friday nights out with the gang after a week of hard studying.
It comes with lots of Toyota’s own safety and tech features built in, many of which are included in the Corolla. That’s a lot of bang for the buck, especially when one factors in the massively reduced costs at the pump. Plus, that styling is pretty bold.
CONCLUSION
Are you a teen or college-age student ready for a new car, or are you a parent thinking about buying one for your kid? These are some of the best choices around right now, and whichever model you go with, you’re sure to score a winner. Even with all these choices, it can still be hard to pinpoint the exact vehicle for you, which is why we’re here to help.
Whether you’re the child, or the parent, DriveAxis is more than happy to assist you in figuring out which model is best for you. Plus, our inventory is stocked with all of these excellent cars, which means we’ll have one waiting in the wings, just for you. Plus, we handle all financing via our own in-house system, which means you’ll get approved regardless of your credit score. For young drivers, this is a definite plus! Contact us today for more info.
